Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Details of the Double Homicide Incident on Leicester Highway
In a recent revelation, officer response notes and 911 calls have shed light on the tragic incident that unfolded on Leicester Highway on the night of December 22. The incident, which escalated into a gunfight resulting in a double homicide, began as an armed robbery at a recording studio located at 353 New Leicester Highway in West Asheville.
911 Call Reporting the Robbery
One of the chilling 911 calls received around 11:20 p.m. on that fateful night reported that individuals were hiding in the studio as they were being robbed and shots had been fired. The urgency in the caller’s voice was palpable as they pleaded for immediate assistance from law enforcement.
Arrival of Law Enforcement
Upon the arrival of officers just before 11:25 p.m., they discovered a harrowing scene inside the building. One individual was found with a gunshot wound to the head, while approximately a dozen people and seven firearms were also present at the site of the incident.
Identification of the Deceased
Subsequent investigations by the Asheville Police Department (APD) revealed the identities of the deceased individuals involved in the gunfight. Chase Christian VanLeeuwen, a 30-year-old from Candler, was one of the victims who succumbed to his injuries during the altercation.
Tragic Loss of Marckia Ornette Jones
Another victim of the incident was identified as Marckia Ornette Jones, a 20-year-old resident of Asheville. Jones was rushed to Mission Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest but tragically did not survive despite efforts to save her life.
Arrest and Charges
Following intensive investigations, Tristin Marquese Maewether, a 27-year-old from Asheville, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection to the death of VanLeeuwen. Maewether was already in custody for a parole violation at the time of his arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Future Developments
Maewether is scheduled to appear in Buncombe County District Court for his charges, with further developments expected in the case. The authorities are optimistic about identifying other individuals involved in the incident and holding them accountable for their roles.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
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